Two days later, Konoha.
Hokage Office.
At this time, Uchiha Jin had already learned of the success of Senju Tobirama's mission, and he was currently convening an unconventional meeting of the Konoha High Command.
Of course.
That was merely the official phrasing; in reality, within the entire Konoha today, Uchiha Jin was the absolute leader in every sense.
"Everyone, let's cut the small talk."
"I assume everyone has already heard about what happened to Kumogakure and Iwagakure."
"That Akatsuki Organization is far too arrogant!"
"The situation on Iwagakure's side is slightly better; only the Five-Tails was captured, Ōnoki sustained only minor injuries, and Akatsuki's actions this time didn't cause significant damage to Iwagakure."
"But on Kumogakure's side, the situation is much more complicated!"
"Not only was the Eight-Tails successfully captured, but the entire Village of Kumogakure suffered considerable destruction!"
"Countless Ninjas died tragically, and even the Fourth Raikage perished on that day."
"The Akatsuki Organization's audacity has exceeded expectations. It seems we can no longer leave them be."
"Therefore, to ensure the peace of the Ninja World is not destroyed and to practice love and justice, we, Konoha, as a responsible major power, naturally have the duty and obligation to shoulder this responsibility."
"I have decided to form the Allied Shinobi Forces to wage an all-out war against the Akatsuki Organization!"
"Now, I give my orders!"
"Nara Shikaku, immediately draft four Proposals to the Four Great Shinobi Villages in the name of the Jōnin Class, demanding they lead their elites to Konoha within seven days. Simultaneously, give the Four Great Shinobi Villages a warning: if these Villages are unwilling to accept Konoha's call, then should their Villages face threats from the Akatsuki Organization in the future, Konoha will not lend a helping hand."
"That is the general gist of it. As for the specific wording, I'll trouble you, Shikaku, to deliberate carefully on your end."
"Once these Proposals are drafted, immediately dispatch personnel to deliver them into the hands of the leadership of the other Four Great Shinobi Villages as quickly as possible."
"Uchiha Tadashi, you are to lead an Anbu squad to ensure the security of the Jōnin Class during this official mission!"
Uchiha Jin's tone was indifferent. Just by sitting there, his majesty exerted a pressure that made everyone feel breathless.
This was only natural!
After all, he had occupied a high position for years, holding immense power over life and death, nearly able to decide a person's fate with a single word.
And more importantly—there were no constraints!
He was not an emperor, yet he was more like one than anyone else. His strength, influence, and prestige were all terrifying; within current Konoha, it was practically his word alone that mattered.
Under such circumstances, his authority was naturally profound.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi at his peak could not reach Uchiha Jin's current level of prestige.
And it was precisely because of this.
Perhaps on ordinary days Uchiha Jin was willing to discuss things with everyone, but whenever important matters arose—like today—he had no interest in holding a proper meeting. After gathering everyone, he simply spoke and handed out tasks.
As for Uchiha Jin's orders, naturally no one present objected. Every face showed only solemnity and loyalty.
This included the Edo Tensei Strongmen!
Nara Shikaku stood up immediately, issuing a firm pledge: "Please rest assured, Hokage-sama. The Jōnin Class will have it done within half an hour. I guarantee these Proposals will be delivered directly to the offices of the various Kage by tomorrow!"
"On the Anbu's side, there will be no problem!" Uchiha Tadashi followed immediately after.
Hearing these statements, Uchiha Jin's expression remained unchanged.
He simply gave a brief nod and dismissed the two to go and prepare.
As the Konoha leadership left, the three Edo Tensei Strongmen sitting there did not depart.
The brothers Senju Hashirama and Tobirama, as well as Sakumo Hatake!
Senju Hashirama and Sakumo Hatake only frowned; even though they stayed, they didn't seem to intend to speak. Instead, it was Senju Tobirama who directly offered his suggestion.
"Hokage..."
"While I approve of your methods, aren't you being a bit too hasty?"
"Wasn't our previously established policy to move steadily and surely? Why suddenly show your fangs to the other great shinobi Villages now?"
"In my view, this move is unwise. Now is not yet the time for Konoha to step in and reap the harvest!"
Senju Tobirama's tone was serious.
Although Uchiha Jin hadn't said much just now, everyone had keenly perceived his intentions.
He was preparing to make his move!
He was preparing to build momentum for the unification of the Ninja World, and the so-called formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces was clearly Uchiha Jin's first move on the chessboard.
But in Senju Tobirama's eyes, this move was played a bit too riskily!
Hearing this, Senju Hashirama also nodded: "Tobirama is indeed right. Hokage, you must consider this carefully."
"Though we who are dead will not interfere with the world of the living, as those who have been through it, we are willing to offer you some advice—at the very least, to prevent you from retreading our old paths."
"To be honest, the current historical opportunity is far better than when we first established Konoha back then."
"Within Konoha, everyone is of one mind and possesses great strength, while the rest of the Ninja World is in a state of chaos everywhere."
"Although the shinobi Villages are currently attempting to establish a new order, their performance everywhere is unsatisfactory, plus there is an Akatsuki Organization stirring up trouble..."
"If you can grasp it properly, the certainty of unification is very high."
"It is for this very reason that we especially do not wish to see you, Hokage, take the wrong path due to haste!"
Sakumo Hatake did not speak.
He just sat there quietly, having no intention of expressing an opinion.
After all, influenced by samurai traditions, he defined himself as a blade. His willingness to sit here and listen today was essentially all for the sake of his dear son.
One had to know that Kakashi had already been sent out on assignment. Although he appeared to hold high status and power, he was far from the center of power. As a father, he had to keep track of the central movements for his son; otherwise, Kakashi's future path would be very difficult to walk.
Yes!
Despite Uchiha Jin's apparent high regard for Kakashi, it was actually just a matter of necessity.
Though Konoha seemed to have many strong individuals, very few possessed the mindset of a ruler. The vast majority had not yet shifted their concepts, and there were even fewer who could help Uchiha Jin govern a territory.
Because of this special situation, Uchiha Jin could only pick the best among the mediocre, which was why Kakashi was able to rise to power so easily.
After all, between Kakashi and Uchiha Jin, there wasn't actually much personal friendship.
But what about the future?
As Konoha gradually grew and more talents were cultivated, what advantage would Kakashi still have?
If Kakashi had no ambition for power and merely wanted to be a blade, then naturally Sakumo wouldn't need to worry.
However, it was a pity.
Whether it was Kakashi's good friend Obito or his future wife Kurenai Yuhi, both required Kakashi to use power to protect them.
Under such circumstances, he had no choice but to grasp power!
And as Kakashi's old man, he could only helplessly assist his dear son!